Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a major multi-use recreational pathway and transportation corridor following the Anacostia River through Washington, D.C. and into Prince George's County, Maryland. The trail forms a critical link in the Capital Trails Coalition network, connecting numerous National Park Service sites, waterfront neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. Its development has been a cornerstone of efforts to restore public access to the Anacostia River waterfront and promote active transportation in the National Capital Region.

Overview

The trail spans approximately 20 miles along both banks of the Anacostia River, from its confluence with the Potomac River near the Tidal Basin upstream to Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Maryland. Managed through a partnership between the District Department of Transportation and the National Park Service, it is a paved, accessible route designed for commuting and recreation. As part of the larger Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, the trail plays a significant role in environmental restoration and urban renewal efforts for communities along the river, including Anacostia and Congress Heights.

Route and connections

The southern terminus is near the John Philip Sousa Bridge, with key connections to the National Mall, the Southwest Waterfront, and the Potomac Riverwalk. It passes major institutions like the Washington Navy Yard, Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling, and Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The trail links to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the National Arboretum, and the Fort Dupont Park trail system via the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge. In Maryland, it connects to the Bladensburg Waterfront Park and the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, feeding into the East Coast Greenway and the American Discovery Trail.

History and development

Planning began in the early 2000s as part of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, a framework led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Early segments opened near the Yards Park and the 11th Street Bridges project. Major construction phases were funded by federal grants, District Department of Transportation capital budgets, and contributions from the National Capital Planning Commission. The completion of challenging segments, such as the boardwalk through the Kenilworth Marsh, was celebrated as a milestone in reconnecting the city to its riparian corridor, a vision supported by organizations like the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Points of interest

Notable landmarks directly adjacent to the trail include the historic Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and the modern Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. The trail offers views of the John A. Wilson Building, the United States Capitol, and the Washington Monument. It provides access to recreational hubs like The Yards Park, Diamond Teague Park, and the Anacostia Park amenities, including the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion. Cultural institutions along the route include the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum and the Catholic University of America's Pryzbyla Center.

Usage and access

The trail is heavily used for bicycle commuting to downtown employment centers like L'Enfant Plaza and the Federal Triangle, as well as for recreational activities by residents of Southeast D.C. and Prince George's County. It is accessible via multiple Washington Metro stations, including Navy Yard–Ballpark, Anacostia, and Deanwood. The Capital Bikeshare system has numerous docks along the route, and annual events like the Anacostia River Festival and Nation's Triathlon incorporate sections of the trail, promoting its role in community health and sustainable transportation.

Category:Trails in Washington, D.C. Category:Anacostia River Category:Transportation in Washington, D.C. Category:Hiking trails in Maryland Category:Multi-use trails in the United States